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The authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must ensure that the investigation into the death of a British citizen who died while in police custody is impartial and independent, Amnesty International said today.

Lee Bradley Brown, 39, died on Tuesday in Dubai, six days after he was arrested by police and amid allegations that he was assaulted in police custody. 

“The UAE authorities must quickly get to the bottom of what occurred by carrying out a full and thorough investigation,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“They must also ensure that any police or others who are found responsible for assaulting Lee Bradley Brown or causing his death are promptly brought to justice.”

Lee Bradley Brown is reported to have been on holiday in Dubai when he was arrested on 6 April following an altercation at a luxury hotel. He was taken to a local police station where, it is alleged, he was assaulted by police officers before being confined to a cell.

He died six days later after choking on his own vomit, according to the Dubai authorities.

The Dubai police have told Amnesty International that the death is being investigated by their Criminal Investigation Department.

“We welcome the fact that an investigation is already underway but it is not sufficiently independent if, as it appears, one branch of the police is investigating alleged abuses by other police,” said Malcolm Smart.

“It is vital in cases of this nature that those charged with finding the truth are fully independent and have the powers and resources to achieve this end, otherwise they cannot expect to command public credibility.”